Raphael Varane retires: one of the most successful defenders of his generation, the French World Cup-winning footballer, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31.
Varane, known for his time at Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French national team, made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that while he will no longer play, he plans to remain actively involved in football.
Specifically, he will continue to contribute to Como 1907, the Italian club he joined this year, but in a non-playing capacity.
Raphael Varane’s glittering career has come to an end ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GSnOPLSf17
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 25, 2024
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Varane’s decision to step away from the game comes after he suffered a knee injury in August, which saw him excluded from Como’s Serie A squad for the season.
Despite this setback, Varane remains positive about his future, expressing excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead off the pitch.
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Raphael Varane’s football journey began in Lens, where his exceptional talent as a defender was quickly recognized.
At just 18 years old, he made a monumental move to Real Madrid in 2011, embarking on a decade of triumphs that solidified his place among football’s elite.
At Madrid, Varane won numerous major trophies, including three La Liga titles and an incredible four Champions League titles.
His first La Liga triumph came in his debut season with the Spanish giants, marking the start of a long and illustrious career filled with accolades.
Varane’s composure, athleticism, and intelligence on the pitch made him a key figure in Real Madrid’s defensive line, as well as a trusted leader in some of the most important games in modern football history.
His contribution to Real Madrid’s success during the 2010s was immense, and he formed formidable partnerships with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
Varane’s career trajectory saw him lift the UEFA Champions League four times—an achievement that few players in football can claim.
Each victory solidified his place among football royalty, as he became known for his consistency and ability to deliver in the high-pressure situations that define a true champion.
In 2024, after a decade in Madrid, Varane made the highly anticipated move to Manchester United. Although his time at Old Trafford was relatively short, he managed to lift both the League Cup and FA Cup with the English club, adding more silverware to an already glittering career.
Despite the challenges of transitioning to the Premier League, Varane’s impact at Manchester United was profound.
His leadership on the pitch, alongside stars like Bruno Fernandes, helped guide the Red Devils to domestic success. He provided much-needed stability to United’s backline, playing a vital role in their resurgence as contenders in English football.
Raphael Varane retires from professional football as a:
World Cup winner
4x Champions League winner
4x FIFA Club World Cup winner
3x LALIGA winner
3x UEFA Super Cup winner
Nations League winner
FA Cup winner
Copa del Rey winner
Spanish Super Cup winner… pic.twitter.com/Db6U1r4zYB— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 25, 2024
However, injuries began to take their toll, and Varane made the decision to transfer to Como 1907 in Italy after the 2024 season.
Unfortunately, his time at the newly promoted club was cut short when he sustained a knee injury in his single Coppa Italia appearance. As a result, he was not included in the club’s squad for the Serie A season.
Despite the injury, Varane remains optimistic about his future and will stay involved with Como, albeit in a non-playing role. “A new life begins off the pitch,” Varane wrote on social media. “I will remain with Como, just without using my boots and shin pads. I’m looking forward to sharing more soon.” His future contributions to the club will be eagerly awaited as he transitions to a new phase of his career.
On the international stage, Raphael Varane’s legacy is even more impressive. He made his debut for the French national team in 2013, quickly becoming a cornerstone of France’s defense. Over the course of his international career, he earned 93 caps and was a crucial player during France’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title.
Varane’s role in the French team that triumphed in Russia cannot be overstated. His defensive prowess, coupled with his leadership qualities, helped France secure their second-ever World Cup title.
Alongside teammates like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, Varane provided the defensive solidity that allowed France to dominate the tournament. The victory cemented his status as one of the world’s best defenders and will remain the pinnacle of his international career.
Two years ago, Varane retired from international football, ending his tenure with France at the top of the game. Reflecting on his career, Varane said, “I have defended every badge with everything I have. I have won more than I could have dreamed of. Beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it.”
Varane’s retirement marks the end of a career filled with remarkable achievements. From Lens to Real Madrid, Manchester United, and France, Varane leaves behind a legacy of excellence. His ability to perform at the highest level for over a decade, both domestically and internationally, sets him apart as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
Former teammates have already begun paying tribute to the retiring star, with Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United taking to Instagram to express his gratitude: “It was a pleasure for all of us,” Fernandes wrote, highlighting Varane’s impact on and off the pitch.
As Varane transitions to life off the field, the football world will eagerly anticipate his next steps at Como, where his expertise and experience will undoubtedly continue to shape the club. While his playing days are over, his influence in the football community is far from finished.
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